New Delhi, Oct 11 || India needs a national strategy on ageing and mental health to fight the rising cases of Alzheimer’s disease in the country, according to health experts.
In an editorial published in the Indian Journal of Public Health, experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with M M Medical College and Hospital, Himachal Pradesh, argued the need to implement a comprehensive National Dementia Plan aligned with WHO’s global framework.
“India needs to view Alzheimer’s not just as a clinical issue but as part of a comprehensive national strategy on ageing and mental health. Integrating cognitive health screening in primary care, investing in long-term care models, building caregiver support systems, and strengthening research on risk factors are key steps forward,” Dr K Madan Gopal, one of the authors, shared in a post on professional networking platform LinkedIn.
“The call is clear: We must act early, invest smartly, and plan humanely. Alzheimer’s care must become part of our larger health systems strengthening and social protection agenda -- ensuring dignity, inclusion, and support for every ageing Indian,” he added.